A lof of information here and I haven't been getting the email notices that there have been all these responses. So sorry to all of you out there that are/have suffering this beast. One of the responses says: Dr. D suggests capricylic acid for O's - where is this suggestion and is there a suggestion for A's in treating yeast? Is there a connection between A's and their less acidic environment and the beasty yeast? My GYN wants me to do boric acid for 30 days. I just can't imagine that is a good thing. I really want to go at it from the BTD way, please point me to the resources. I will look for the capryl and look into the candex. What is the best probiotics anyone has used? I'll look in the BTD store. Thank you!!!

Another question - I see the probiotics in the BTD store and notice there isn't any acidophilus specifically in the A probiotic - everyone has told me this is a must for yeast fighting. I assume it isn't since it isn't in BTD's probioitic?

Thank you for the specifics, Don. Is this from a book? I looked in the LR4YT and couldn't find it. I also looked at the acidophilus mentioned on p. 171-172 - it mentions specifically acidophilus as well which is why I wonder why it isn't in the Polyflora A.

On the ARA6 - okay to take the tablet form, or is the tbsp in water a must?

Hmm.. found an interesting article from FEMS yeast research (scientific journal thing).. Don't think you'll have access to the site for free (I get it through my uni's subscription). So here's a little cut and paste about how effective they found different oil plants against candida albicans:

Quoted Text

3.1. Screening of plant oils for anti-Candida activity

The isolates of C. albicans tested showed different sensitivity to the oils. However, the majority of the oils were found effective and showed considerable activity at very low concentrations. Twenty-five among the 38 oils tested caused a 1&#8211;30 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI). Seventeen oils caused a 10&#8211;20 mm ZOI. Six oils showed a 1&#8211;9 mm ZOI against all four strains tested. Jasmine and lavender oil failed to inhibit the growth of the Candida strains except CA IV. (Table 1). (13 oils failed to inhibit growth of the C. albicans strains at 5-&#956;l doses.)

Received 18 October 2004; revised 22 December 2004; accepted 21 February 2005. Available online 14 March 2005.

Abstract

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were determined for 38 oils of plant origin against Candida albicans. Four strains including one standard strain were used in this study. The antifungal agents, Fluconazole and Amphotericin B were used as positive controls. The standard strain (ATCC10231) used in this study was found to be highly resistant to Fluconazole: 3000 &#956;g ml&#8722;1 of Fluconazole was required to inhibit the growth of this strain partially, and complete inhibition could not be achieved. Other Candida strains were sensitive to 5 &#956;g ml&#8722;1 of Fluconazole. All the strains used were sensitive to Amphotericin B. Of the 38 oils tested, 23 were found effective and fifteen were ineffective. Based on their MFCs, effective oils were categorized into three categories. Seven oils, which exerted fungicidal effect at less than 0.15% concentration of oils, were grouped into the most effective class. The oils exhibiting MFCs in the range of 0.16&#8211;1.5% concentration were considered moderately effective. Nine oils, which required more than 1.5% concentration, were regarded as less effective. The Fluconazole-resistant strain (MTCC 227) was sensitive to at least 23 of the plant oils. Results of this study indicate that oils of plant origin may find use as potential anti-Candida agents.

End discussion:Anti-Candida activity of some of the essential oils like Tea tree oil is well known [23], [26] and [27]. Many of the preparations used against vaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans contain Tea tree oil as an active component [23]. Several oils of plant origin have been suggested in alternative medicines against microbial infections including candidiasis and gingivitis [17], [19], [20], [21], [23], [25], [26], [28] and [29]. However, azole antifungal agents and derivatives continue to dominate as drugs of choice against Candida infections, as topical applications or as oral drugs [1], [2], [3], [10] and [15]. Except for Tea tree oil, which has a history of more than 80 years of use in Australia, not many herbal products have entered into the market [23] and [30]. Some products containing Rosemary oil are used against fungi causing dandruff [31] and [32]. In vitro anti-Candida activity of essential oils like Tea tree, Lemongrass, Citronella, Peppermint and Palmarosa have been reported [22], [23], [26] and [27]. We have examined the efficacy of 38 oils of plant origin for the in vitro anti-Candida activity against four isolates of C. albicans (Table 1 and Table 2). At least 23 of the oils tested showed promise as effective agents. These oils could be classified according to their efficacy (Table 3). One of the isolates which was found to be resistant to Fluconazole was inhibited at very low concentration of all the effective oils of plant origin tested in this study (Table 2).

Disc diffusion assay is a standard method widely used for quick screening of natural products for antifungal activity [23]. We have screened plant oils using this very convenient assay method. This study indicates that caution is needed since different oils may have different diffusion rates on agar plates and this may contribute to variation in the inhibitory zones, leading to erroneous conclusions regarding their antifungal activity. For example, some of the oils which exhibited smaller inhibition zones compared to others were very effective against Candida strains in the NCCLS broth dilution assay which does not involve diffusion. For example, Cinnamon oil exhibited a ZOI of 24 mm in the disc diffusion assay, where Lemongrass oil showed 30 mm. But in the MFC assay Cinnamon oil (0.01%) was found better than Lemongrass oil (0.06%). Fungicidal activity is considered as a desirable quality for antifungal agents, since it could totally eliminate the fungus from tissues. Amphotericin B is fungicidal, is known to be very effective against human pathogenic fungi and is used as the drug of choice in systemic fungal infections, in spite of its severe side effects [2], [3], [5] and [7]. Fluconazole, the widely-prescribed antifungal agent against Candida infections, is fungistatic in nature and may require prolonged use [1], [2] and [7].

It is encouraging to note that the majority of the oils used in this study were fungicidal at low concentrations. Not much information is available on the mode of action of the natural products inhibiting Candida growth. More Fluconazole/azole-resistant strains need to be included in future studies. The plant oils could find use as anti-Candida agents against azole-resistant strains. Most of the oils used in this study have a long history of use in food, confectionery and as components of perfume [18] and [32]. However, if they are to be considered in topical preparations a careful exploration of their probable irritating and other undesirable effects in humans need to be undertaken.

I agree that it would be interesting to see how oregano oil tests. That was actually the next antifungal I was going to give to my son. I read somewhere that it was many times stronger than caprylic acid. - Also strange about the olive oil. A few months ago my son noticed that he reacted to olive oil so I always assumed that it was an antifungal - and a pretty good one at that.

I'm not sure how they've done the testing though. Might be that olive oil will be somehow utilised/transformed in the body so that it supports some antifungal activity or becomes an antifungal..?

Ehm.. If I want to use lemongrass oil or clove oil, what sort of oil form do i get it in for internal usage? ..I got essential oils first, but figured out that seems to be for external use only? :p

Do your son take the olive oil clean or with food or something? ..I try to put some olive oil on my brocoli and other salads.. Good to hear your son is responding well to it

I got some heallix yesterday that I will start trying with the stronger dosage. Hopefully that will give me some good results. I've also started taking some honey, but wondering if I'm going to put the honey on hold for a few days to see how the heallix works on it's own first..

Maybe I get this wrong ... but the candida fighter par excellence is olive LEAF and is likely classified as a herb. Never have I heard of olive oil as being similar to any essential oils, but olive oil is an effective CARRIER for essential oils (which tend to be extremely concentrated) ... jajoba oil is similar.

From what I understand NOW foods has a pill that is enteric coated, so releases its contents of wild oregano oil only in the small intestines. Knowing how penetrating most essential oils are ... I don't think so much is improved by taking dilute essential oils in a massage format over an injestion (Tisserand).

One of the problems you will encounter is that candida tends to reside in most cracks and creases of the gut. Things injested or drunk tend not to disperse widely enough, so the massage route may be better ... it'll take longer though.

I still believe that pro-biotics and pre-biotics are likely the best answer.

John

“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius

Hmm.. pre-biotics, now there's a new term for me.. what's the difference between pre- and pro-biotics?

As far as probiotics I'm taking the polyflora O and also have some innher health plus (dairy free) that I started with while waiting for my latest shipping of supplements.. Right now I'm taking both the inner health plus and the polyflora - hope they can't conflic with each other in any way?

Do you mean massaging in the clove oil could actually help kill off candida then?My candida seems to be systemic, but where would probably be the best areas of my body to massage in the essential oils as an aid in the candida war?

NOW foods I'll have to check up on and see where in the world they sell those products, or maybe it's an online order thing. Anyways, think I've got plenty of supplements for my body to handle right now, so think I'll just stay on with all the things I've got and when I start running low on things I'll have to consider what to get more of and what I will try without for a while. Also getting close to going home at that time so probably good to not have too much pill-stuff to drag through customs :p

From what I understand NOW foods has a pill that is enteric coated, so releases its contents of wild oregano oil only in the small intestines.

John

When pills are enteric coated they only release their contents in the small intestines? I knew the enteric coating protects a pill from being dissolved by the acid in the stomach but I thought some of the contents would make it down to the large intestines. ??

I am assuming when you indicate a yeast infection, you are referring to a vaginal yeast infection.

The only thing that helped me get rid of a chronic yeast infection was boric acid capsules inserted vaginally. You have to get a pharmacist to make them up for you with a Dr.'s prescription. They are an old remedy that most Dr.s have gotten away from in place of the marketed brands (e.g., Monostat), but it is very inexpensive and really works.

Has anyone out there overcome recurrent yeast infections w/4YBTD and 4YBTD supplements? I don't believe I have candida - I have been through the three lac (sp?) supplements, have been through a candida diet, take probiotics, etc. All seemed to have come down to stress. I took a low dose of diflucan for 60 days last spring and they finally went away. Since then I have been on the 4YBTD, or at least trying and have started the supplements. However, a yeast infection has shown up again. aaarrrrggghhhhh!!!! This started last Fall after never having problems before (I'm 42). Any suggestions or shared experiences would be appreciated!

Aside from what everyone else has said, Tea Tree Vaginal Suppositories can be very effective in curing (or at the very least soothing the nasty feeling of) vaginal yeast infections. You do need to be sure, though, that you are also treating it internally, if you feel that could be a problem. If not, are you using any products vaginally that could be causing the problem? Among other things, excessive douching can sweep out all of the positive bacteria, leaving the bad stuff to take over. If you try the suppositories, be sure to store them in the fridge or they will be too soft to insert.

ANeg,welcome!if you'll go up to the top right side of the page,to Member Center, then to Avatar Settings on the lower left side of that page, you can select your blood type click the save button at the base and you won't have to keep telling us what it is..

''Just follow the book, don't look for magic fixes to get you off the hook. Do the work.'' Dr.D.'98DNA mt/Haplo H; Y-chrom/J2(M172);ESTJThe harder you are on yourself, the easier life will be on you!

I have chronic yeast infections and candida issues. I haven't gotten into here on the board because I'm just not in a place where I want to go chasing it down, etc.

However, as usual, a vaginal yeast infection has started. Last night I took a big 'ole clove of garlic, peeled it, cut some cuts into it and popped it up into my vagina before bed. I woke up with garlic breath, but beyond that I could not feel anything uncomfortable.

My yeast infection symptoms are DRASTICALLY reduced. I'm going to do it again tonight and I am willing to bet that the symptoms will be gone by tomorrow.

Cheap, easy, holistic and seems to work. It's seems sort of, well, icky to do, but then I though of all of the suppositories that I have used, and thought that clove of garlic sounded like a much better choice.

I really like taking Ecclectic Institute brand garlic suppliments. I don't take it all the time, only when needed. It stinks you up for a couple of days, but once you feel better, the garlic smell all but goes away. One of the sales people at the HFS said that this is because you only really stink while the garlic is doing it's job, once you are "normalized" you stop smelling.

If the garlic clove suppository really works this well, it is a lot better than taking endless (and expensive) suppliments, that IMHO, really aren't very effective (I've tried them ALL and in all combos - I have also, at times in my life, done the complete yeast diet. Didn't work.).

Get past the hesitation, get a big 'ole clove of garlic, and try it for yourself for a day or two!